Gray CatbirdGray Catbird -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 9 inches | Wingspan: 12 inches | Seasonality: Summer |
| ID Keys: All gray body, dark gray cap, black tail and bill. | ||
Gray Catbird
Dumetella carolinensis
The Gray Catbird is named for the occasional cat-like mewing that the bird makes. Gray Catbirds have a remarkably varied vocabulary, rarely repeating the same phrase as it sings a mix of melodic and grating noises. They will attend feeders for a wide variety of items, some of which are rarely consumed by other birds attending feeders.
Habitat: Prefers dense, low growth, mostly commonly along woodland edges and riparian areas. Generally avoids unbroken forest.
Diet: Primarily insects and berries. Will also occasionally feed on other fruit, and a very wide variety of items at feeders.
Nesting: June and July
Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map
Song: Gray Catbird Song, also Gray Catbird Call
Migrations: Summers throughout the eastern three-fourths of the United States. Winters in the Southeastern United States and points south.
Feeders: Nuts, fruit, bread and other baked products, boiled potato, cheese, cornflakes...you get the idea. Will eat a very wide array of items at feeders.
Similar Species: Northern Mockingbird
Status: Declining in some parts of the country.
Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Gray Catbird
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Gray Catbird"
Photo Information: May 14th, 2004 -- Newton Hills State Park -- Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Gray Catbird photos.
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
